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A Dog's Life

Sixteen years, now almost seventeen,
I've played at stick and ball, stayed seldom still
until good master's call would whistle shrill
to lead me back - no need to smack.  Sight keen.

Sixteen years tail's wagged as faithful friend,
as boon companion, running round fun years.
His mother passed away, I shared the tears
that fountained forth and never seemed to end.

Sixteen years round each revolving moon
from hearth and home I pick up slightest sound,
ears prick, eyes bright, in sight I'm always found
to hold my ground, though often play buffoon.

Sixteen years, come rain or shine, we walk
twice, sometimes thrice a day, I sense each smell
around the house, know friends and rascals well,
and after dinner hear the table talk.

Sixteen years from pet to family,
from playful pat to priceless kith and kin,
I vet as threat who'd twins' affections win,
can smell a rat or chase cat up a tree.

Sixteen years I've watched the children grow,
suffered unruly hands that now caress,
I guard them still, still at the same address,
as I will willing till my turn to go.

Sixteen years saw summers shedding hair,
saw autumns' colours charm birds from the trees,
saw winter whiteness whose bare branches' frieze
prepared for springs unbounded, weather fair.

Sixteen years, milk - nap - home-made pap brew,
from toothless start, heart full, until depart,
toothless, heart filled beyond all man may chart,
life's cycle spins till ready to renew.

Sixteen years that gambolled life away,
with water, beef and bone, I’ve played at will.
Scents seem less sharp today, and soon I will
make my last bow, - still in thrill dreams I play !


Author notes

______________


Puppy pic
http://flickr.com/photos/tswill/2443146360/



Old age pic
http://flickr.com/photos/aileenfotografie/1468196900/


-----------

Definition : gambol as opposed to gamble
gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement, play boisterously

Definition : frieze as opposed to freeze
horizontal band of sculpted or painted decoration

Definition : vet - wordplay implying 'case the joint' or oversee more than in the sense of animal doctor

-----------

In terms of life expectancy 1 'dog year' is considered to be approximately the equivalent of 7 human years. 16 is thus an approximate equivalent of 112

Stanza 3 : John Dryden Absalom and Achitophel, pt. 1, l. 545-50 (1681) Zimri, as George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham

...so various, that he seemed to be
Not one, but all mankind’s epitome.
./.
But in the course of one revolving moon
Was chemist, fiddler, statesman and buffoon.


______

The initial poem wrote itself, drawn through and by a 16 year old labrador whose owner added an uninvited guest to join four people in a small car for a long trip from Paris to St. Tropez for New Year 1991/1992 ...

The first version was written in 1992. 4 out of 9 verses were added in August 2007 with minor modifications to the original text, given below.


A Dog’s Life

Sixteen years, now almost seventeen,
I played at beck and call, stayed seldom still
until my master called, or whistle shrill
recalled me to my place. My sight was keen.

Sixteen years, I stood as faithful friend,
as boon companion, spinning out the years.
His mother passed away, I shared the tears
that fountained forth and never seemed to end.

Sixteen years, come rain or shine, I’d walk
twice, sometimes thrice a day, I sensed each smell
around the house, knew friends and scoundrels well,
and after dinner heard the table talk.

Sixteen years I watched the children grow,
suffered from untaught hands, that now caress,
I guard them still, still at the same address,
as I will do till its my turn to go.

Sixteen years that gambolled life away,
with water, beef and bone, I’ve played at will.
The scents seem duller now, and soon I will
make my last bow, - yet still, in dreams, I play !


... 'and thereon hangs a tail's tale'

Enjoy ! ...

Jonathan Robin
http://www.icdri.org/JR.htm



In a list

A contest entry

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Comments

1 - 99 of 784     1 2 3 4  next >  (show all)

  • A-Dog
    July 4
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    I've commented this poem once before but i just relized that the first pic looked like my old dog which i found out a few days ago he was put to sleep by the owners the took him after we had to give him up. Well great work anyway. Love it.

  • hawaiiansolt
    July 2
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    A bittersweet tribute that rings so true for me! You've captured much of that special bond between man and dog!

  • Rose of Ireland gold member
    July 1
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    Cute, cute, cute!!!

    I'm wishing you the best of luck in this contest, and thank you for entering your poem!!!

  • Torn and Tortured
    June 26
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    Edit | Reply
    I like how it rhymed...very interesting. And I thank you greatly for entering this into my contest, I love this!!! Well, I wish you the best of luck in this contest of mine...and...well, yeah this was amazing to read!

    . Rewarded 4


  • Rawr.Smile.baby.plz gold member
    June 25
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    amazing

    Wow this is really cute.. Reminds me of my dog but alot bigger. Hes a saint bernard hes in the middle of his years. Hes like superdog because hes been through everything. This poem is very well written and greatly done. My favorite part is when you said "Sixteen years tail's wagged as faithful friend" that was worded so well. Thanks for entering my contest i wish you the best of luck.
    ..<3..
    Shelly

  • LynnJones
    June 9

    Edit | Reply
    Astounding work! I absolutely love it!
    Keep it up!

    The One and Only...

    ~Lynn Jones

  • Andor
    May 28
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    Wonderful indeed. Reminds me of my own dog. He is still young but I fear losing him. Thank you.

  • DawnKestrel
    May 28

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    Nice! I like the internal rhyme!
    Good luck in my contest!

    . Rewarded 8

  • Alvamear
    May 27

    Edit | Reply
    Great write. This reminds me of my familie's first dog, a chihuahua named Chiqi, she passed away in my snister's arms in 2005 but sixteen years that she was our wonderful pet. Good luck in my contest!

    . Rewarded 4


  • imahealer gold member
    May 24

    Edit | Reply
    As a dog lover, this poem really made me smile and cry. (Yes , I can walk and chew gum!) I have the most precious Scotty, who is aging, and already I start to cry, when I think of her not being beside me. They do get under your skin, and become a part of your family. Your pen has that magic to evoke emotions from simple words, placed exactly in the right place. Thank you for sharing this link. Best wishes. You're golden all the way!

    Linda/aka/Shana

  • born2believe
    May 23
    Edit | Reply
    Awww this is so cute

  • DogFish silver member
    May 23
    Edit | Reply

    VERY NICE


  • oikevois baby gold member
    May 16

    Edit | Reply
    This is an amazing take on the promt you were given. I have a schnoodle (shitzu and a poodle) named Coda and this poem made me think of him!! Thanks for entering, I enjoyed the read!

    Mylee and Alex

  • SadCatLover
    May 14

    Edit | Reply
    I really enjoyed this poem. Even though it is not based on your pet I can still relate. I have 2 cats that are nearing the end of there lives after 16 - 17 years. All you can do is remember the good times. Enjoyed the read! Thank you for entering my contest.

  • Adios Muchachos gold member
    May 14

    Edit | Reply

    Hey Jon

    Did you ever read or see Ingmar Johannsen's, "My Life as a Dog?" I believe he was heavyweight champ for a time; maybe a dog's year! Terrific story, film nicely done.

    So this is the poem I've been seeing on my screen in features since I'm a boy! lol
    It is SO well written Jon, that I cannot think of anything to say about it but that.
    He was a cute puppy! And that did not cease with age!
    We can learn a lot from our pets and a great many animals in general.
    One thing being..."Never talk while you can listen and learn."

    Today I'm celebrating 9 years without gambling here in Vegas.
    Another thing I should have learned from my dog: is never play poker.

    I recall your telling me that you were attempting to break an AP posting record with this poem.
    I read this poem Jon, and believe this is one of the finest poems I've read, and because of that, has an inherent need to be read by at least that many readers.

     

    I'm glad to at last read this endearing,  charming  and personal poem.

     

    Loup d' Mer 


     

     

     

     

     

     

  • JWGoethe
    May 14

    Edit | Reply
    An absolutely perfect poem. As a dog owner, I connected to every word and nuance of it. Outstanding beyond words!!!

    . Rewarded 4


  • frownsnfreckles
    May 14

    Edit | Reply
    I remember this one, oh to have a bigger heart than a brain lol every day a dog's life, who could complain!

  • neutron mass
    May 10

    Edit | Reply
    Sixteen years is a ripe old age for a dog and they do turn from being just a pet into a member of the family in that time. I would say this poem epitomizes the life of a dog entirely but I can see it has already been modified and lengthened from an earlier version, so I think it could possibly be adapted to include further stanzas with ease as more memories are recalled. Each stanza flows beautifully and the unusual, though not difficult vocabulary, adds another dimension to it. While reading stanza six I remembered a golden Labrador I grew up with, who suffered at unruly hands of several of us children, yet she loved us unreservedly until her sad departure from this world. Stanzas three and nine reminded me of later years when we had a border collie that literally gambolled his way through life often leaving home to return a few days later after some adventure. He was so much fun, very gentle and could be trusted completely with the youngest baby. I found this poem very pleasing, as told from the dog’s perspective it shows how he views his position in our world rather than how we see it. This poem is outstanding in overall quality and a fitting tribute to man’s best friend of any breed. Thanks for your entry.
  • judyjudyjudy
    May 1

    Edit | Reply
    This is really moving and held my attention throughout. I am not sure you really needed all the notes though.

    The dog certainly does seem to have a high level of awarenss and consciousness and a human awareness of his own mortality. I love dog stories -- thanks very much.


  • LadyOfFate
    April 30
    Edit | Reply
    very interesting. not exzactly what I wanted, but your poem is very well done. to quallify in my contest please tell me how this relates to my contest topic(there is a small sliver I can see) and please put down the phrase I asked for somewhere around here

  • Light of God silver member
    April 27
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    I've always liked this piece!


  • Loveandblessings2u gold member
    April 26

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    Our pets really do become apart of our family.
    We love and care for them like they were
    one of our own.
    This is an magnificent written piece of art.
    I love how you explain what some of the words mean.
    Such a lovly story from the pets point of view.
    I guess they really do see a lot over the years.
    This was a joy to read.

    loveabdblessings2u & yours always
    Joyce

    good luck in my contest.

  • CinfullyDelicious gold member
    April 24

    Edit | Reply
    This is a very well written piece Jonathan
    And it gave me chance to smile, yes to see it form his eyes..but to smile tht truly there were so many happy innocent mommonets in my dogs life


    Thank you for sharing the link with me, a great revision and poem




    Cindy

  • peachyromantic
    April 21

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    This is good. Like, very good. Very creative with the language and very insightful as to what an old dog could be remembering in his age. And kind of sad too. Especially the last stanza. Makes me want to go hug my dog. . . .in fact I think I will.

    Good job!

    . Rewarded 6

  • fsrussell
    April 21
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    Good! you get a sense of a dog's feelings

  • Cyanide DREAMS xxx
    April 21

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    "Sixteen years round each revolving moon
    from hearth and home I pick up slightest sound,
    ears prick, eyes bright, in sight I'm always found
    to hold my ground, though often play buffoon."

    Great work indeed!I have a dog,too....her name is lucy.She's 28 in dog years,and i really liked the poem.

    Best wishes to you!

    . Rewarded 6

  • whoopie.x
    April 21

    Edit | Reply
    gosh this poem was hot and crispy sweet and tipsy. i loved this poem. i especially like the last stanzas were you said sixteen years that gambollled life away, with water beef and bone, i've play at will. scents seem less sharp today, and doon i will make my last bow still in thrill dreams i play. just excelent write

  • Jbthemilker
    April 21

    Edit | Reply
    Our 16 year old black lab at the Mission was out one night. He went to cross the road and never got to the far side. A speeding car come up over the hill and his once keen ears did not hear the approach. Bouncer is now chasing sticks and tennis balls in a heavenly place. Bounce was the best dog anyone could ever ask for.
  • tamajinn
    April 21

    Edit | Reply

    well done!

    I enjoyed this poem very much! You are a talented writer, the rhymes were non-forced and you maintained a good rhythm. Really made me envision a dog's whole life slowly passing by-- I've never owned a dog but the poem made a vivid picture of the major chapters in a dog's life. Just lovely.

    . Rewarded 6

  • mindpoet
    April 21

    Edit | Reply

    A Dog-lover Responds

    Dogs are wonderful aren't they? When treated well they really are man's best friend. He's 16 so that would make him...what 96 in people years! Dogs often mellow and become gentler with age as they grow., unlike some humans I know(my father..the older HE gets the more like a vicious Pit Bull).
    Wonderful tribute to a member of the family.
    Blessed be
    Erik

    . Rewarded 6


  • Light of God silver member
    April 14

    Edit | Reply

    Absolutely Wonderful!

    I love dogs-I have two: a scotty 2yrs old, and a schnoodle 3.5 mos. old. I love this piece...it's so moving and awesome!

    . Rewarded 4


  • cdudecosner
    April 14

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    That was a good poem. It does speak well of the dog's desire to please and watch over his human "family." Definitely well done!

  • frownsnfreckles
    April 14
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    aaawwww!! yet they always seem to enjoy every minute. A great tail of devotion, I like the way we see the family grow and life's events from the dogs perspective as the overseer

  • Autumn-Rain gold member
    April 14

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    great insights into the life of a dog Love your vocabulary and thank you for the author notes. This was not much of a problem for me, but sometimes I do struggle as my own vocabulary is not that extensive. Anyway I enjoyed this very much.

  • lullabyegurl
    April 14

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    hey!!! love the pic!!! im sure i seen my butthead of a friend in there!!!!!!! lol
    great poem 2 tho loved it!!!!! lol xx

  • stani
    April 14

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    nice write about a dog's life! cool! i need to spend some more time and read this again! definitely captivating!

  • SafeRefuge
    April 12

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    whoa! I love that you incorporated a previous poem into your own piece of work. I dare say that the word play on vet was marvelous I had to read that line at least two times I believe to fully receive the meaning behind it. I do love your poetry and I wish I had more time to indulge myself in more.

  • Reptile Lady gold member
    April 9

    Edit | Reply
    Best friends and loyal to the end
    Paints that so well within your poem
    I have a Labradoodle, and she is wonderful
    Julie

  • poetry within
    April 8

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    Dog's are our "special" children they are a gift from god,sweet little presents sent to us from heaven up above. My dog "missy" is our 3rd child she is an asset to our family and pure joy. She is faithful trusting and such a sweet loving and kind soul. I love this poem it touched my heart like poetry should and left me with a sweet sigh of oh I can relate to these angelic words,thoughts and feelings. Very well written. I love the picture you added as well.

    . Rewarded 8


  • La Tua Cantante
    April 7

    Edit | Reply
    This was a very good look into the mind of a dog. I really like it. I must say that it was quite long, and couldn't keep my attention. It really makes me look at my own dog and wonder what exactly he thinks though.
    Thankyouu for entering my contest and good luck.

    -Dana.


  • hopeles-romantic gold member
    April 5
    Edit | Reply

    great story i really enjoyed it

    i like the poem

  • myrataal silver member
    April 5

    Edit | Reply

    OH! You know of dogs ...

    of humans ... of love ... life and ... of POETRY!

    Very well done ... and you opened up my tear fountain ... for our little doggie died yesterday. After only 45 dog years ... (he was 5 human years old)

    Blessed be.

    . Rewarded 4


  • HopewithFaith
    April 5

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    Fantastic

    It was meaningful, and sincere. I truly loved it! good job. Well worth my and everyone who reads its time

    . Rewarded 4


  • MissApparition
    April 4

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    In my opinion, there is no friend like a loving dog. I've got two, one 12 years old and one 8...I dread the passing years almost as much as I revel in the wonderful moments.

    This piece resonated with me deeply, not only in the lovely descriptions, but also in the "matter of fact" narrative. The power in making this piece come from the "dog's mouth", so to speak, is huge. Bravo!

    . Rewarded 8


  • Ratatoskr
    April 4

    Edit | Reply
    This is a great poem. It makes me remember why I love dogs, and hate cats. Brings me back to the day that I found my current dog. Heh, thank you for that. Great poem and great look into the life of a dog.
  • Priscilla123
    April 3
    Edit | Reply
    love i
  • Lord Gegishov silver member
    April 1

    Edit | Reply
    This poem is very well written and warm. It had me thinking about all the dogs I've had throughout my life, and how one in particular really did become part of the family. He was wild and unruly, but very sweet. Oh, the powers of poetry. This is wonderful. I'm very happy to have read it tonight.
  • TabbyJoy
    March 27
    Edit | Reply
    Thank you for the entry...gave me a peek inside a dog's life (and I love dogs)

  • TizMoi
    March 26

    Edit | Reply
    I love tis poem so much, its very well written indeed. I've commented away back but would like to wish you well in the contest with this awesome write.

  • Kevin Moderators member
    March 24
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    i may have commented on this already heh, I can't remember

    lovely oldpoetry style.

    the repetitive start didn't do much for me, but i'm not a huge form person

    'sixteen years tail's' -> of tails? And it shouldn't be possessive, though I've never been great at knowing when to use '.

    'pick up slightest sound' -> 'the slightest sound'?

    'in sight i'm always found' -> I always yell about subject/verb inversion. I'm always found in sight. But image are you trying to convey though? Could be said more powerful by a metaphor/example...

    :
  • Philogos gold member
    March 24

    Edit | Reply
    I can empathise with the dog's point of view as my wife is an enthusiast. Particularly liked the way the internal rhymes worked and the use of incomplete sentence structure to fix both rhythm and meaning.

    . Rewarded 4


  • TillyMay
    March 24

    Edit | Reply
    I hadn't realized, until I'd already clicked on this, that I had read it (and commented on it) before. I'm sorry! I hate to use up your feature points like that! If it is any consolation- I enjoyed it even more the second time around!!!

  • Elenaliz
    March 22

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    this is such a sweet story about what great and faithful friends dogs can be.very well written.the end is so sad but inevidable.i love this part.
    Sixteen years I've watched the children grow,
    suffered unruly hands that now caress,
    I guard them still, still at the same address,
    as I will willing till my turn to go.
    its funny how they put up w/ kids.great write.


  • Raven Tears gold member
    March 21

    Edit | Reply
    What a beautiful and descriptive write.
    That dog seemed as though he had a life worth cherishing!
    Well done, and goodluck.

  • Sacred Ground
    March 20
    Edit | Reply
    Very nice write and the creativity you expressed putting this together is great!
    LisaMarie

  • jo-jo
    March 20
    Edit | Reply

    i liked your poem

    was your dogs name rascal i had a dog named rascal only lived 12 years. we all grow old


  • Clarabelll
    March 20

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    WOW... I lvoe Dogs and I get this peom so much!
    "Sixteen years round each revolving moon"
    I love that line!
  • tiabobia
    March 20

    Edit | Reply
    this is about a dog...
    wow.


    i love my dog too
    his name is Bo & he's fat.





    i like it
  • XHEAVENkiRAx
    March 20
    Edit | Reply
    good wor

  • eleno
    March 20

    Edit | Reply
    so sweet, but i think i read it before. its great. i love dogs. there is nothing more loyal walking our planet. -eleno

  • SuicidalAngel
    March 20

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    Awwwwww that is so sweet...

    I love the way you wrote this, i honestly do, its a great write, i love my puppy so it hits a special spot wif me...I love it, Thanks for sharing that one... its one of the best i have read so far...

    . Rewarded 4


  • shepherd23 silver member
    March 20

    Edit | Reply

    Delightful!

    "Sixteen years tail's wagged as faithful friend,
    as boon companion, running round fun years."
    Maybe my favorite lines - re-read serveral times - asking myself...is the "boon companion" the dog to the man or the tail to the dog, or both - Ha Ha what a time I had thinking of that...
    "Sixteen years from pet to family,
    from playful pat to priceless kith and kin,"
    a good runner-up to my first favorite - my Jack Russell would also approve of this line
    "...watched the children grow,
    suffered unruly hands that now caress,"
    (my dog takes over the keyboard and types) "I know exactly how he feels"
    and fianlly, "willing till my turn to go."
    only a true boon companion would assume this position/attidude - this line could inspire a whole other poem...
    Thanks for a great start to my day!

    S23




  • exit-de-jugador
    March 19

    Edit | Reply
    This is very warm. The last stanza is, in my opinion, the best. Lines twenty-one to twenty-two are also very nice - but the whole piece is, really. Thank you!

  • kira1115
    March 19

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    Good. I have my dog beside me now and I know she is my friend. Thank you for sharing this.


  • Moqui Takoda
    March 19

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    i love dogs ... this is wonderful ... i always knew they had stuff in their heads that i had forgotten ... yeah, it sure is sad when a loved pet starts to get old and then passes away ... well, anyway , i love this poem with all my heart. never read one with a dog as the personna .... love it ... just love it

    . Rewarded 6


  • FallenAngel09
    March 19

    Edit | Reply
    A very good write, it was extremely interesting to me because I have never read a poem that was taken from the point of view of a family pet. It was beautifully executed and had a sweet nostalgia that was very good for this type of poem. I loved it and enjoyed reading it. Great job and hope you keep writing.

    Hugs and Kisses,
    Tiphanie

  • lil juggalette
    March 19

    Edit | Reply
    wow, thats a really good poem and i think that its really unique. i love the part where it says "Sixteen years round each revolving moon
    from hearth and home I pick up slightest sound,
    ears prick, eyes bright, in sight I'm always found
    to hold my ground, though often play buffoon."
    i think that the first line really explains the poem and the first line leads to a really good and powerful poem.

    . Rewarded 8


  • unsigned gold member
    March 19
    Edit | Reply
    *wags tail excitedly*......*chases tail*...


  • Whisper Mckee
    March 18

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    I have a dog whos twelve, I to thing of all the things she does. I got two puts hoping when her time comes they will ease her passage. My husband that wanted no dogs in the house...will now hurt most of all, because somewhere along the way she became his baby.

  • xXcrazychristinaXx
    March 18

    Edit | Reply
    its really good. i mostly like it cuz it shows how loyal dogs really are and reminds me of my dog

    . Rewarded 4


  • TillyMay
    March 18
    Edit | Reply
    This is a wonderful poem. Besides being expertly crafted and beautifully penned, it is moving and a sweet testimony to the dogs who start out as pets and become family. I work for a county dog shelter- and have a special place in my heart for these intelligent animals. Lovely stuff!

    . Rewarded 6


  • Mairi bheag gold member
    March 18

    Edit | Reply
    (The system doesn't seem to want to let me applaud today - let me try again... Bother! Nope, please take the will for the deed. At least I can add them as emoticons )